National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. Each year, a light is shone on the people that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities.

In 4-H, our network of over 500,000 volunteers provide caring and supportive mentoring to all 6 million 4H’ers, helping them grow into true leaders. Within Meadowlark Extension District, we had over 300 adult volunteers who worked directly with almost 2,400 youth in 2018. A critically important volunteer role is the 4-H Community Club Leader. 4-H Club Leaders – serve as a link between the Extension office and 4-H members/families, helping 4-H members learn specific skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. Another volunteer of significance, is the 4-H Project Leader - a volunteer who assists 4-H members as they explore one of the 30 plus project areas teaching 4-H members how to think through the development of critical thinking and decision making skills. There are many other roles, such as fair superintendents, judges, classroom teachers/ paraprofessionals, board members in various forms and of course the PARENT helper!

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. Today, as people strive to lead lives that reflect their values, the expression of civic life has evolved. Whether online, at the office, or the local food bank; whether with a vote, a voice, or a wallet – doing good comes in many forms, and we recognize and celebrate them all.

It is during this national week of celebration that Extension staff would like to give a public THANK YOU to all the 4-H volunteers making our program what it is! You are an appreciated, critical and valued part of the success of 4-H and make a positive difference in the lives of the young people you reach!

Volunteers are managed through local Extension offices, so contacting your local Extension office is a great place to learn about how you can get involved. Please contact any of the three Meadowlark Extension District Offices in Holton, Oskaloosa or Seneca OR visit the volunteers page of the District 4-H website: https://www.meadowlark.k-state.edu/4-h/volunteers.html to learn more.